Cape Town - The wedding of local singer and actor Emo Adams looked more like a wrestling match when a photographer was assaulted at the wedding.
A photographer from Die Burger newspaper says he was attacked while trying to snap images of the loved-up couple on Friday morning.
Emo married his long-time girlfriend and mother of his son, Michelle Gildenhuys, in a private ceremony with about 50 guests including close friends and family.
Veteran lensman Lulama Zenzile says he was waiting outside the All Star Theatre in the Cape Gate Lifestyle Centre when a member of the bridal party and two freelance photographers taking the wedding photos attacked him and confiscated his camera.
“They were coming out of the hall when I took the photos from behind,” Lulama tells the Daily Voice.
“I ran around to the front and Emo told me not to take any photos.
“I believe the freelancers were working for a Huisgenoot exclusive.
“Emo said he would attack me if I did not stop.
“I had already taken the photos and then walked away.
“Three guys ran after me and wanted to grab my camera and a scuffle ensued.
“I defended myself keeping my camera out of their reach.
“Three guys grabbed me and I was choked while the other two roughed me up and took my camera.
“I then walked away, but had to start running as they realised I had already removed the memory card [from the camera].”
Lulama says he really just wants his camera back because the long lens is key to his work.
He says at the time he was not in any pain, but when he woke up the following morning he felt bruised.
“I have a sore neck, throat and arm. It was so unnecessary - I was just doing my job,” he points out.
Lulama says he opened cases of assault and theft at the Brackenfell cop shop after the incident.
A guest at the wedding, who did not want to be named, said he was shocked at the audacity of the “rogue” photographer.
“How can you, when asked not to take photos, just go ahead and do it?” asks the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“He [Lulama] was taking photos through the windows and it was inappropriate. It was quite simply an invasion of privacy.
“I was outside when the altercation was over. It was upsetting to all present as this was supposed to be a celebration of the couple’s union.
“The groomsman whom the photographer had the altercation with also has a huge scratch on his neck, so I think they just grabbed each other.”
Emo was not available for comment.
Daily Voice